Herbal Essential Oils Research Articles

CMMSE: a comparison of model fitting using different response surface designs for optimizing microwave-assisted simultaneous distillation and extraction in Khlu herbal tea essential oil production

CMMSE: a comparison of model fitting using different response surface designs for optimizing microwave-assisted simultaneous distillation and extraction in Khlu herbal tea essential oil production

Formulation and evaluation of herbal makeup primer

The burgeoning interest in natural and sustainable beauty products has driven the development of herbal makeup primers, which combine cosmetic functionality with the benefits of botanical ingredients. This abstract explores the formulation, efficacy, and advantages of herbal makeup primers. Unlike traditional primers that often rely on synthetic chemicals, herbal primers leverage plant-based extracts known for their skin-enhancing properties, such as aloe Vera& Orange oil. These ingredients offer soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits that can improve skin texture and promote a healthier complexion. The formulation of herbal makeup primers typically includes a blend of herbal extracts, essential oils, and natural emulsifiers. These components work synergistically to create a smooth base for makeup application while also addressing skin concerns such as redness, dryness, and uneven tone. Clinical and consumer studies suggest that herbal primers can enhance makeup longevity and performance, while simultaneously contributing to overall skin health. In summary, herbal makeup primers represent a significant advancement in cosmetics science by integrating the therapeutic benefits of herbal ingredients into everyday beauty routines. Their growing popularity underscores a shift towards more eco-friendly and skin-conscious beauty solutions, aligning with consumer demand for products that offer both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Future research and development in this field are likely to expand the range of available formulations and further validate the efficacy of these natural alternatives.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal essential oil based nail lacquer for management of onychomycosis

IntroductionOnychomycosis (Paronychia) is a common fungal nail infection, characterised by thickened, discoloured and brittle nails often accompanied by pain and discomfort. It is one of the most prevalent fungal nail infections with the global incidence of >20 % affected commonly by Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The market today is flooded with various antifungal therapies (Azoles, Imidazoles, Allylamines, etc.) but their clinical applicability is limited due to associated side effects. The study is an attempt to formulate essential oil-based nail lacquer against Candidal Onychomycosis. Material and MethodSelection of essential oils and preparation of their blends (EOB) was made on basis of their antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC and zone of inhibition; ZOI) and physiological effect they exhibit on varied pathological parameters of onychomycosis. Simultaneously, varied batches of nail lacquer (N1-N5) were prepared by varying the concentrations of polymer and film forming agent and were evaluated for their formulatory characteristics (drying time, incidence of white patches, film texture, etc.). Optimal nail lacquer batch was loaded with screened EOB and was evaluated for various characteristics and antifungal activity. ResultThe formulation F4 was found to form a smooth, transparent film over the nail with absence of any tackiness or white patches. Moreover, F4 formulation exhibited minimum MIC among varied batches and higher ZOI (4.3 cm) as compared to marketed preparation (3.5 cm), indicating better antifungal activity. ConclusionEssential oils, as an active agent, could prove to be a natural, safer, and more effective alternative to the conventionally available topical preparations for the management of fungal infections. The development of this herbal mixture opens up new possibilities for treating onychomycosis, necessitating additional research and clinical studies to establish its clinical safety, efficacy, and viability.

Role of Herbal Essential Oil in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

Cancer of the cervix is a disease that is ubiquitous and frequently severe, and it affects women all over the world. Conventional treatment methods, which include surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, have been shown to dramatically enhance survival rates; nevertheless, these methods are frequently accompanied with adverse effects and difficulties that might have an influence on the quality of life of a patient. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the utilisation of essential oils in the cancer treatment and management of cervical cancer. This review offers a comprehensive investigation into the function that various essential oils play in the development of cervical cancer. It also includes insights into the possible advantages of these oils as well as the body of research that has been conducted on them. Additionally, the analysis dives into the future directions and issues that will be faced in this developing industry, with a particular focus on advancements in delivery methods and interesting research areas. For the purpose of enhancing the anticancer qualities of essential oils, the encapsulation of essential oils with solid lipid nanoparticles, the nanoemulsification of essential oils, or the combining of essential oils with conventional treatments have all demonstrated promising results. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive viewpoint, balancing the potential of these natural therapies with the obstacles and issues that need to be addressed. As the employment of essential oils in the treatment or management of cervical cancer continues to develop, this study will attempt to provide a comprehensive perspective. The study will attempt to strike a balance between the potential of these natural treatments and the obstacles and issues that need to be addressed.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Saudi Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) DC. Essential oil: Insights into antioxidant, analgesic, and hepatorenal protective effects

Lately, the herb's essential oils have received the intense attention of researchers and pharmaceutical agencies. The chemical composition, antioxidant, analgesic activity, anti-hyperpyrexia, and hepatorenal protective effects of the Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) DC. Essential oil (KAEO) were evaluated. The KAEO was yanked by steam distillation and subjected to a GC/MS system. The antioxidant powers of KAEO were evaluated by DPPH, NO, and FRAP tests. Besides the anti-hyperpyrexia, the analgesic effects were assessed. Moreover, the hepatorenal curative effects were evaluated in a carbon tetrachloride-rat model. Sixty-eight active components were identified by GC/MS. α-pinene was the most dominant monoterpene in KAEO. KAEO showed anti-hyperpyrexia, anti-captive, and great antioxidant powers through DPPH, NO, and FRAP. The oral LD50 of KAEO was 187.5 mg/kg in rats. Furthermore, KAEO treatment succeeded in reliving the adverse effects of CCL4 in rats as a standard toxic model through reliving the hepatic pathological and oxidative stress and restoring the hepatic and renal functions. Overall, the obtained results demonstrated that KAEO might be used as a potential natural medicine to relieve a variety of modern symptoms and hepatorenal disorders associated with oxidative stress.

Formulation and Comparison of Herbal Gels Containing Essential oils and their Antimicrobial Evaluation.

The current study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal gels con-taining essential oils for the treatment of infection caused by microbial species, i.e., S. au-reus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis. These species are also responsible for acne directly and indirectly. The gels were prepared using a gelling agent with 1% Carbopol-940, and they were further evaluated for physical appearance, drug content, in-vitro drug release, viscosity, extrudability, pH, and spreadability. Further, anti-microbial screening was done with various microbial species. Studies revealed that the gel was highly effective against the selected species ex-cept for the fungal strain. ZOI was observed ranging from 3.1 ± 0.01 mm to 13.4 ± 0.14 mm. The maximum ZOI was observed at 13.4 ± 0.14 mm against S. aureus. The physical properties of the gel satisfied the standard parameters. The prepared herbal gel was found to have highly promising activity against bacterial species associated with bacterial infection but in a dose-dependent manner. How-ever, more research is required.

Evaluating the Depth of Penetration of Calcium Hydroxide Mixed With Three Different Herbal Essential Oils Using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope.

Introduction The goal of endodontic therapy is to completely eliminate the infection and stop microbesfrom infecting or reinfecting the root canal and the periradicular tissues. Amongst the primary microorganisms,Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a Gram-positive anaerobe, is the main cause of pulpal and periapical inflammation causing root canal failure. Literature evidenceshows that the gold-standard calcium hydroxide is ineffective against E. faecalisdue to its resistance to the alkaline pH and proton pump mechanism. Herbal essential oils such as oregano, basil, and thyme are known to possess antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis. However, their combination with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament and thedepth of penetration is still unknown. Aim To evaluate the depth of penetration of calcium hydroxide mixed with three different herbal essential oils using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Material and methods Fifty single-rooted premolars were decoronated and randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 - Oregano oil with calcium hydroxide, Group 2 - Basil oil with Calcium hydroxide, Group 3 - Thyme oil with calcium hydroxide, Group 4 - Calcium hydroxide with saline, Group 5 - Negative control. The teeth were instrumented and inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 21 days. Calcium hydroxide mixed with respective oils or saline and 0.1% rhodamine B dye was placed in the canals and again incubated for 7 days. Two sections each of 1 mm were horizontally cut at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex and later subjected to a confocal laser scanning microscope to evaluate the depth of penetration. One-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey test, and student t-test were performed. Results At the middle third, basil oil had the maximum depth of penetration (1377.47±14.1 µm) followed by oregano oil (1345.4±26.5 µm) and thyme oil (1160.4±24.6 µm). At apical third, basil oil (1152.4±31.6 µm) showed maximum depth of penetration, followed by thyme (988.3±26.2 µm) andoregano oils (419.5±19.8 µm). The depth of penetration of these oils was greater at the middle third than at the apical third. Conclusion Basil, oregano, and thyme oilhave good penetration depth into the dentinal tubules and can be successfully used in root canal procedures as intracanal medicaments.

Cholecalciferol combined with Satureja rechingeri essential oils improves growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens.

Vitamin D possesses an important role in the maintenance and health of broiler chickens. Herbal essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs in intensive production management systems for better performance of broilers with slight side effects and admirable therapeutic properties. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding cholecalciferol (VD) in combination of Satureja rechingeri EO (SREO) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological response of broilers. A total of 540 1-day-old mixed-sex broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental treatments included different concentrations of cholecalciferol (VD) (0, 2000 and 4000IU/kg=0, 0.05 and 0.1mg/kg) and SREO (0, 200 and 400mg/kg) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological responses of broiler chickens were investigated. The results showed that the chicken fed diet supplemented with 0.1mg/kg VD (VD0.1) in combination of 200mg/kg SREO (SREO200) increased the feed intake during the overall and first 14-day periods of the trial when compared with other dietary treatments. Interaction of VD0.1×SREO200 led to more body weight gain (BWG) in the grower and finisher phases than all other feed treatment groups. The blood level of lymphocyte at day 42, heterophil at days 28 and 42 and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio at 14 and 28 days of age were affected by VD0.1+SREO200 in comparison with VD0+SREO0 group. Feeding VD and/or SREO decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations at days 28 and 42 of the study, especially in VD0.1+SREO200 treatment. Feeding VD0.1+SREO200 also resulted in higher serum status of immunoglobulin M, lysozymes and phagocytic percentage among all treatments. Considering the outcomes, it is suggested that the combination of suitable concentration of VD and EO of the plant had favourable effects on the immune system and performance criteria of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of essential oil collected from wildly growing Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) Aiton f. and its therapeutic applications: insights from chemical profiling, in-vitro and in-silico studies

Calotropis gigantea, often known as giant milkweed, the plant is widely known for producing herbal essential oils that are used as traditional and complementary medicine to cure various ailments. The aim of the present study was evaluation of anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of essential oil collected from wildly growing Calotropis gigantea and its its therapeutic applications via chemical profiling, in-vitro and in-silico studies. After Calotropis gigantea (CEO) essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation, its phytochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic properties were assessed. Fingerprint analysis and GC-FID were used to create a chemical profile. Various tests for antioxidants, such as DPPH, nitric oxide radical, and iron chelating activity, were conducted. The disk diffusion approach was used for antibacterial efficacy against Gram-negative (G-) bacteria. The test of α-amylase inhibition was utilized to investigate anti-diabetic efficacy. In-silico analysis was also conducted to find out interaction of some components to α-amylase enzyme. Chemical profiling indicated the presence of phytol (24%), stearic acid (10%), and cyclohexyl ketone (6%), as predominant components. There was notable antioxidant activity ranged from 82 to 97% for various assays. IC50 values for various assays were iron chelating activity: 18.610, DPPH scavenging activity: 28.246, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity: 58.113. CEO showed a zone of inhibition value of 0.5 cm and significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (G-) bacteria. CEO blocked α-amylase in dose-dependent way. At a higher amount of 250 µl, CEO inhibition was 63% and mode of inhibition un-competitive. In-silico analysis validated the blocking of α-amylase and interaction of phytocomponents to α-amylase enzyme which were further validated by UV and fluorescent quenching techniques. It was determined that CEO may be extensively used in many different industries, including as food, herbal medicine, cosmetics.

The Use of Some Herbal Essential Oils Against Galleria mellonella Larvae and Testing of Bacillus thuringiensis Bacterium Isolated from Galleria mellonella Under Laboratory Conditions

Larvae of wax moths cause great damage in honey bee hives and especially in stored honeycombs. Biological control methods are especially important in the control of wax moth in warehouses, as they do not harm the bee, the product and the environment. This study was carried out to determine the effect of 5%, 10%, 25%, 45% and 55% of peppermint, thyme, nettle seed, and walnut herbal oils and GB1 Bacillus sp. (OR227363) against wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella) (L1-L3) under laboratory conditions. For each group of fifteen larvae, four herbal oil and one bacterial trials were conducted and two control groups were formed. The trials were conducted in glass jars and the larvae were kept in an oven at 25°C temperature/75% relative humidity. Each jar was checked every day for two weeks and dead/viable larvae were recorded and the dead ones were removed from the jar. As a result of the dose trials, it was determined that the best dose was 2.835x109 cfu/mL for bacteria and 5% concentration of thyme and walnut oil for herbal oil. According to the data obtained, it is thought that GB1 Bacillus sp. isolate can be used as an alternative control method against wax moth larvae.

Efficacy of clove oil and rosewood oil as anesthetics on goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Anesthetics have an essential role in aquaculture operations because they minimize physical injury during various handling practices such as sampling, weighing, length measurement and tagging, which decreases stress on fish. Many fish farmers are involved in using alternative fish anesthetic agents with minimal side effects to life such as herbal essential oils. This study aims at investigating the efficacy of clove oil and rosewood oil as anesthetics on goldfish Carassius auratus. Anesthesia effect of both oils was tested in six different concentrations (i.e., 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mg/l of water) on ten fish between 6–25 g weight and 9–14 cm length. The efficacy of both oils was assessed on the basis of the fish behavior. The induction time (min) was assessed by loss of swimming (LS), partial loss of equilibrium (PLE), final loss of equilibrium (FLE), and medullar collapse (Mc). The fish were observed for balance and response to a tactile stimulus in each treatment. Both clove oil and rosewood oil contributed well as anesthetics as they caused loss of equilibrium and swimming ability in the goldfish. In contrast, clove oil generated more rapid induction, prolonged recovery, and a narrow margin of safety. Fish farmers should use natural and environment friendly anesthetic agents instead of chemical ones, as they may alter negatively the growth and health of fish.

The repellent effects of eight Chinese herbal essential oils on red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and analysis of active components

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive pest that is extremely aggressive and thus poses a strong threat to human health, agricultural production, equipment and the environment. In this study, we evaluated the repellent effects of eight Chinese herbal essential oils (EOs) on RIFAs, and identified the main repellent components in the EOs. Results showed that all eight EOs had outstanding repellency to RIFAs, among which A. argyi and S. album EOs had the strongest repellent effects on RIFAs. GC-MS revealed 34 ingredients in A. argyi EO, among which sesquiterpenoids and their oxygenated derivatives accounted for the greatest proportion (50 %), followed by monoterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives (47.06 %) and unknown components (2.94 %). Dipentene, 1-caryophyllene, p-cymene, α-terpineol, and Δ-cadinene were the most abundant compounds. A total of 61 ingredients were identified in S. album EO, including monoterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives (40.98 %), sesquiterpenoids and their oxygenated derivatives (39.34 %), diterpenoids and their oxygenated derivatives (3.28 %), aromatic compounds (3.28 %), and unknown components (13.12 %). Among them, the most abundant compounds were diethyl phthalate, α-cetone, 2-phenylethanol and sandacanol. The GC-EAD results showed that RIFA workers exhibited strong electroantennographic responses to dipentene, α-terpineol and 1-caryophyllene from A. argyi EO, as well as to linalool, 2-phenylethanol and benzyl acetate from S. album EO. Furthermore, all of the above six ingredients had significant repellent effects against RIFAs based on behavioral experiments. In conclusion, A. argyi and S. album EOs have good repellent effects on RIFAs, and the active ingredients include dipentene, α-terpineol, 1-caryophyllene, linalool, 2-phenylethanol and benzyl acetate. Our findings provide new information for the development of green, safe, and efficient repellents against RIFAs.

183 Evaluation of phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and the performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli. Weaned pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.4 ± 0.1 kg] at 21 d of age were individually housed and assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with initial BW and sex as blocking factors. Basal diets were formulated following NRC (2012) and fed to pigs for 28 d in 3 phases (P1:11 d, P2:10 d and P3:7 d). Treatments were NC: basal diet, non-challenge; PC: basal diet, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV1: basal diet supplemented with 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in powder form, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV2: basal diet + 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in liquid form, challenged with F18+E. coli. Growth performance and fecal score (FS) were measured weekly. On d 7, the challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.0 × 1010), whereas unchallenged pigs received a sterile saline solution. On d 28, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal samples to evaluate inflammatory status, oxidative stress, and diversity and relative abundance of mucosa-associated microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC decrease (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) when compared with NC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with NC, whereas AV1 and AV2 decreased (P < 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with PC. The AV1 decreased (P < 0.05) Chao1 and Shannon indexes when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae compared with NC. The AV1 reduced (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and tended to reduce (P = 0.062) the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae when compared with PC. The AV2 tended to reduce the relative abundance of Streptococcaceae (P = 0.073) and Ruminococcaceae (P = 0.074) when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) occludin and tended to increase (P = 0.096) TLR4 when compared with NC. The AV1 tended to increase (P = 0.053) protein carbonyl when compared with PC. In conclusion, F18+E. coli challenge increased FS, disrupted the mucosa-associated microbiota, increased TLR4 expression, consequently reduced growth performance of pigs. The AV1 showed promise in reducing oxidative stress during F18+E. coli challenge, seen through decreased protein carbonyl levels possibly due to alterations on mucosa-associated microbiota, although without affecting growth performance. The AV2 had a moderate impact on reducing FS and altering mucosa-associated microbiota, without effect on growth performance.

Challenges Associated with Forming Generic Names for Herbal Medicinal Products

INTRODUCTION. The lack of a unified approach to establishing generic (grouping) names, which must be specified for herbal medicinal products, presents a challenge to developers and manufacturers preparing registration dossiers, as well as to regulators reviewing their submissions.AIM. This study aimed to set forth common approaches to establishing generic names for herbal medicinal products based on studying the terminology used in different legal systems.DISCUSSION. The authors analysed the pharmaceutical terminology used for herbal medicinal products at national and supranational levels in the Russian Federation, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Republic of Belarus, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and the United States. This analysis revealed differences in the terminology used in the Russian Federation and the EAEU. For example, the definition of “herbal drugs” is more detailed in the EAEU documents than in the Russian documents, and the definitions of “herbal drug preparation” and “herbal medicinal product” are not the same as well. The authors analysed the approaches to generic naming of herbal medicinal products and detected some improperly formed generic names in the regulatory documentation and Russian State Register of Medicinal Products. In addition, the study revealed variability in generic names proposed by different manufacturers for medicinal products having the same trade name. The authors described the selection of generic names for herbal medicinal products, including fatty or essential oils and liquid or dry extracts. The authors touched upon generic naming of some types of source plants when the morphological group of the herbal drug or the name of the source plant is ambiguous, the Latin name and the Russian name of the herbal drug are inconsistent, or the Latin name of the resulting product or the morphological group of the herbal drug is erroneous. The authors systematised and unified approaches to generic naming of herbal medicinal products with due regard to the species of source plants, the morphological groups of herbal drugs, and the production technology and composition of herbal medicinal products. The authors analysed typical errors in establishing conventional and generic names for herbal drugs and herbal medicinal products associated with incorrectly identified morphological groups of herbal drugs, incorrect source plant names, mismatching structures of Latin and Russian names of herbal drugs, erroneous Latin names of the resulting products, or wrongly assigned morphological groups of herbal drugs.CONCLUSIONS. According to the analysis of the names of herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations, and herbal medicinal products used in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (editions XI–XV), the Pharmacopoeia of the EAEU, and the European Pharmacopoeia, the terminology of these legal systems is harmonised to a high degree. The alignment of terminology is the closest between the regulatory documents of the EAEU and the EU. The terms and names used in Russia need further unification. The results of this study can be used in Russian pharmacopoeial practice to develop regulatory documents, prepare registration dossiers, and conduct expert reviews of submissions for herbal medicinal products.

Chemical profiling and in-vitro anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities of essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. commonly known as Rosemary is a well-known genus belongs to Lamiaceae family, which is one of the major plant families with a high concentration of essential oils. Rosemary is well known to produce herbal essential oils owing to the presence of therapeutic and medicinal elements in the plant’s by-products. In the present study, rosemary essential oil (REO) was extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis and it was evaluated for its phytochemicals, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. GC-FID analysis and fingerprint analysis was performed. Different antioxidant assays were performed like DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, iron reducing potential, iron chelating activity. Anti-bacterial activity was observed by the disk diffusion method against Gram-positive (G+), Gram-negative (G−) bacteria. Anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were also performed. Antifungal activity against Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis causing fungal strains was also evaluated. GC-FID revealed the presence of vertocitral, α-pinene andhumulene oxidemajor component of REO along with other bioactive components. The IC50 value (µl/ml) for various assays was observed in the following order: OH- (16.6118), iron chelating (32.0115), iron reducing (92.534), DPPH (101.929), and ABTS (172.2765). The best antimicrobial activity was against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121), with an inhibition zone of 2.5 cm. REO showed strong anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potential and can be employed as an anti-diabetic agent due to its inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity. Based on these findings it was concluded that REO can be widely employed across a variety of sectors, including food, aromatherapy, herbal and allopathic medicine, cosmetics, and as a natural biocide, fungicide, and preservative.

Comparative analysis of antidepressant-like effects of five herbal essential oils on mice with reserpine-induced depression

The antidepressant-like effects of five herbal essential oils (EOs), Jasminum sambac (Linn.) Aiton essential oil (JSEOs), Magnolia denudata Desr. essential oil (MDEOs), Rosa rugosa Thunb. essential oil (RREOs), Aloysia citriodora Ortega ex Pers. essential oil (ACEOs) and Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. essential oil (ABEOs) were evaluated. By virtue of a reserpine-induced depression mouse model, the antidepression activities and mechanisms of these EOs were explored. The results indicated that the inhalation of EOs significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in reserpine-induced depression mice, including a decrease in anxiety and immobility time. JSEOs and ABEOs significantly attenuated reserpine-induced depression-like behaviors, particularly the decreased body weight and immobility time, as determined by tail suspension and forced swimming tests. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blotting analyses indicated that the EOs influenced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin1A (5-HT1A), and inflammatory cytokine levels. ACEOs attenuated reserpine-induced hippocampal and neuronal damage, significantly increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and 5-HT1A levels, and suppressed the inflammatory response. These results provide new insights into the antidepressant effects of herbal EOs and suggest that the five EOs evaluated in this study are potential nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression.

Sustainable Approach to Development of Antimicrobial Textile Pads for Sweat Absorption

Double-layered textile sweat-absorbing underarm pads with a natural antimicrobial treatment can be used to solve the problem of the wetness sensation in the case of increased physical activity or hyperhidrosis. In addition, changeable antimicrobial active underarm pads help to decrease the number of clothing washings, i.e., reducing water consumption and pollution. Another aspect of sustainability is that the underarm pads can be produced from clothing production waste. The moisture absorption capability of six hydrophilic cellulose-based knitted fabrics and two hydrophobic synthetic woven fabrics was investigated. It was found that the best result for next-to-skin moisture absorption and next-to-clothing protection against moisture penetration was achieved by using a double-layered underarm pad composed of a cotton-based fleece knitted structure in the next-to-skin layer and a very thin and tight 100% PA woven fabric in the outer layer. Four samples of impregnated liquid with herbal extracts and essential oils were prepared, and antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the discus method. Textile impregnated with tea tree essential oil, nutmeg, and birch extracts had the highest antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus.

Antibacterial Activity of Herbal Essential Oils against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria with a Potential for Multidrug Resistance

Background: In recent years, there has been an extensive and great interest in researching and developing alternative antibacterial agents from various sources to combat bacterial resistance. Therefore, greater attention has been paid to the screening of antibacterial activity. Aims: This study evaluated different types of herbal essential oil to inhibit the growth of selected human pathogenic bacteria with potential multidrug resistance properties. Methodology: The herbal essential oils used include thyme oil, tea tree oil, bergamot oil and lavender oil against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Antibacterial screening of all the essential oils was done by disk diffusion method. Results: Herbal essential oils have exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities against the selected microbes: B. subtilis, S. aureus and E. coli. Thyme oil has the most potential antibacterial properties for B. subtilis(40 mm), followed by S. aureus(35 mm) and E. coli(35 mm). Both bergamot and lavender oils showed higher antibacterial effects for E. coli and B. subtilis but have lower efficacy with S. aureus than tea tree oil. Conclusion: The herbal essential oils used in this study can serve as a source of alternative antibacterial agents and may play an important role in the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of a wide range of pathogenic bacteria in the future.

Formulation and Development of a Herbal Antifungal Gel Containing Origanum vulgare and Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oils Against Oral Candida albicans.

Background Oral candidiasis is the most prevalent oral fungal infection, and existing antifungal agents have side effects such as drug intolerance, resistance, and toxicity. Herbal essential oils are emerging as an alternative therapeutic approach for treating fungal infections. Origanum vulgare (O. vulgare), commonly known as oregano, and Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum), commonly known as clove, are known to have antifungal properties and are effective against fluconazole-resistant strains. A combination of essential oils has a synergistic effect and aids in achieving effective antifungal activity at sufficiently low concentrations, which could lead to reduced side effects and resistance. Aim of the study This study aimed to formulate and develop an herbal antifungal gel containing O. vulgareand S. aromaticum and evaluate its synergistic antifungal efficacy against oralCandida albicans (C. albicans). Methodology Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) determinations of O. vulgareand S. aromaticum essential oils were performed individually and in combination to assess the antifungal activity against C. albicans. Based on the obtained MIC and MFC of essential oils in combination, anherbal antifungal gel was formulated. Further, to determine the biocompatible nature of the gel, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed. Results We found that a combination of O. vulgare and S. aromaticum essential oils showed antifungal activity at a lesser concentration, with a MIC of 0.19 μl/ml and MFC of 0.39μl/ml when compared to their individual concentrations. Based on our results, an antifungal herbal gel comprising a concentration of 0.6 μl/ml of both essential oils was developed to achieve synergistic antifungal activity against oral C. albicans. The MTTassay of the herbal gel did not show any cytotoxicity. Conclusion The novel herbal antifungal gel containing O. vulgareand S. aromaticum is biocompatible in nature and provides an alternative therapeutic approach for treating oral candidiasis.

Cymbopogon citratus L. essential oil as a potential anti-biofilm agent active against antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from chronic rhinosinusitis patients

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is long-term inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by infection due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Biofilm developed by microbes is postulated to cause antibiotic treatment failure. Thus, the anti-biofilm activities of seven Thai herbal essential oils (EOs) against antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from CRS patients was investigated. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) EO showed the most effective antibiofilm activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis grown as biofilm. GC-MS analysis found that myrcene was the major bioactive compound. Pretreatment with lemongrass EO significantly inhibited biofilm formation of all bacterial strains in more than 50% of cases. Furthermore, confocal microscopy analysis revealed the biofilm-disrupting activity of lemongrass EO against the biofilm matrix of all these bacterial species and also increased P. aeruginosa swarming motility with no toxicity to human cells. These results suggest that lemongrass EO has promising clinical applications as an anti-biofilm agent for CRS patients.